Jannik Sinner forfeits Monte Carlo doubles match and controversy erupts

Jannik Sinner will not play in the round of 16 of the Monte Carlo doubles tournament with Zizou Bergs: the two were scheduled to face France’s Manuel Guinard and Argentina’s Guido Andreozzi on Thursday but, as announced by Bergs’ father on X, Sinner raised the white flag.

“It’s official now. No doubles for Zizou and Jannik Sinner. Jannik is withdrawing from the doubles draw. Understandable since he can become number one in this tournament. However, great experience for Zizou that will never be forgotten,” wrote Koen Bergs.

In the comments section several people lashed out at Jannik Sinner: “Players treating doubles as a warm-up act is ridiculous. Either they get involved or they leave the spots to others. Hopefully the ATP will introduce some kind of punishment to prevent this from happening,” Chris wrote. “Once again it has taken away the chance for others to play, when will the ATP wake up?” the attack by Mikaela. “I understand that the singles tournament is his priority but he knew that there would be a chance to have two very close matches, so why also participate in the tournament with Bergs?” is Stefan’s question.

Last week, during an interview granted to Unitennis, Koen Bergs had told how the collaboration between his son and Jannik Sinner for the Monte Carlo tournament came about: “Zizou and Sinner trained together in Indian Wells and Jannik asked him to play doubles together in Monte Carlo. Zizou would never have dared to ask him, so he was quite surprised.”